Grain in Ear (Mangzhong)
Enjoy seasonal fresh foods, keep flavors light but satisfying, and focus mainly on cooked dishes.
Script
Hello, and welcome to Grain in Ear, Mangzhong. In the classic, Grain in Ear opens the fifth lunar month, when grains with awns can now be sown. That name marks a busy summer season, and the table also follows the season. People may enjoy plum in small amounts with meals for its bright, tart flavor. Fresh edamame is another everyday choice, and it is best fully cooked. Eggplant is also common now, and it is often steamed or simmered with less oil. For a seasonal dish, try Braised Edamame with Eggplant. Keep it light, satisfying, and cooked through. Go easy on overly greasy and heavy food. Also do not overdo iced drinks and frozen desserts. If you want to cook along, look for the Mangzhong Seasonal Tasting Ingredient Pack.
On the table this season
- Plum (Meizi)neutral
A seasonal fruit with a bright flavor, traditionally eaten in savory dishes to awaken the appetite.
- Edamame (Maodou)neutral
Fresh new soybeans arrive at this time, with a tender texture that suits everyday home cooking.
- Eggplant (Qiezi)cool
Common in early summer, soft and flavorful when cooked, and traditionally eaten well-cooked.
- Tomato (Xihongshi)cool
Sweet, tangy, and juicy, it suits soups, salads, and stir-fries.
- Eel (Huangshan)warm
Commonly enjoyed at this time of year, with tender meat and a fresh taste that is best cooked soon after buying.
Cook it
Braised Edamame with Eggplant (Maodou Shao Qiezi)
Ingredients: Edamame, Eggplant, Garlic, Ginger, Cooking oil, Light soy sauce, Salt
- Wash the edamame, cut the eggplant into strips, and finely chop the garlic and ginger.
- Heat oil in a pan, add the ginger and garlic until fragrant, then stir-fry the eggplant until softened.
- Add the edamame and continue stir-frying, then season with a little light soy sauce and salt.
- Add a small amount of water, cover and simmer briefly, then reduce the sauce before serving.
Tomato and Eel Soup (Fanqie Huangshan Tang)
Ingredients: Tomato, Eel, Ginger, Scallion, Cooking oil, Salt
- Clean and cut the eel into sections, cut the tomatoes into chunks, slice the ginger, and cut the scallion into lengths.
- Heat a little oil in a pot, then stir-fry the ginger slices and tomatoes until the tomatoes release their juices.
- Add water and bring to a boil, then add the eel pieces and cook over medium-low heat until done.
- Season with salt and finish with the scallion before serving.
Go easy on
- Eat less overly greasy and heavy food.
- Do not overdo iced drinks and frozen desserts.
- Buy seasonal ingredients fresh and cook them soon when possible.
Classical source
芒種，五月節。謂有芒之種穀可稼種矣。Yueling Qishier Hou Jijie (Wu Cheng, Yuan dynasty)
Grain in Ear opens the fifth lunar month: grains with awns can now be sown.
Original text on Wikisource · Diet text drafted with AI and pending expert review.